To the Journal editor:

In the last two week’s mail came a bill from a doctor I had an appointment with a month ago and later a confirmation from my insurance company.

Upon opening them, I was shocked to discover a $149 “new patient” charge. This doctor took over an established practice that I had visited several times a year for 10 years, and all my records were still there. I contend that I should have been told that I would be subjected to this charge when I made the appointment and that his office staff was negligent in not doing so.

Why was this charge a big secret until I opened my bill? Granted, he has every right to charge whatever the traffic will bear, but had I known the amount I would be charged just to walk through his office door, I would have gone elsewhere.

He and his staff don’t understand why I was so upset and that I should have expected this charge. Why would I? For me, it is now a matter of principle! He has violated my trust and I have learned a very valuable lesson. Needless to say, I will not become one of his “old patients.”

From now on, when making an appointment with anyone, I shall ask about “new patient or client” charges and I hope you will also.

Sharon L. Schrandt

Negaunee